Zoysia Grass: Planting & Growing Guide

By PropertyClub Team
Jul 27th 2024
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass known for its dense, carpet-like appearance and excellent drought tolerance. It's popular in residential lawns, golf courses, and parks due to its ability to create a lush, green lawn with minimal maintenance. Zoysia grass is slow-growing but extremely durable, making it ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic.

hash-markHow to Plant Zoysia Grass

Planting Zoysia grass seed requires proper preparation and timing for successful establishment. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plant and grow Zoysia grass from seed:

Step 1: Timing

  • Best Time to Plant: Late spring to early summer, when soil temperatures are consistently warm (60°F or higher). This ensures optimal germination and growth.

Step 2: Soil Preparation

  1. Test the Soil: Perform a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Zoysia thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
  2. Clear the Area: Remove existing vegetation, weeds, rocks, and debris from the planting area.
  3. Loosen the Soil: Till or aerate the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches to improve root penetration and water drainage.
  4. Amend the Soil: Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil structure and fertility. Adjust pH if necessary based on soil test results.

Step 3: Seeding

  1. Seed Selection: Choose high-quality Zoysia grass seed from a reputable supplier.
  2. Seeding Rate: Follow the recommended seeding rate on the seed package, usually 1-2 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
  3. Sow the Seeds: Evenly distribute the seeds using a broadcast spreader. For even coverage, divide the seeds into two parts and sow them in perpendicular directions.
  4. Rake and Water: Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (no more than ¼ inch). Water the area gently but thoroughly to initiate germination.

Step 4: Watering and Care

  1. Initial Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 14-21 days. Water lightly and frequently, avoiding waterlogging.
  2. Reduce Watering: Once the grass begins to grow, gradually reduce watering frequency but increase the amount of water to encourage deep root growth.
  3. Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer after the grass reaches 2 inches in height. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application rates and frequency.

Step 5: Maintenance

  1. Mowing: Begin mowing when the grass reaches 2-3 inches in height. Set the mower height to 1-2 inches for optimal growth.
  2. Weed Control: Use pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed growth or manually remove weeds as they appear.
  3. Fertilization Schedule: Fertilize Zoysia grass 2-3 times per year, in late spring, mid-summer, and early fall, following soil test recommendations.

Can You Plant Zoysia Grass Seed in the Fall?

Zoysia grass seed should not be planted after the late fall because it cannot retain the moisture it needs to grow in the winter months. Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass, so the ideal time to plant Zoysia grass seed is during the late spring after the cold months have subsided.

hash-markPlanting Zoysia Grass Sod

Planting Zoysia grass sod is normally the recommended option as the seed grows slowly. Before laying down sod pallets, till the top 1-2 inches of soil and mix with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. You should also make sure that you remove any existing weeds from the soil. 

Starting at the longest edge of your lawn, place the Zoysia sod pallets and unroll them. Cut the remaining pallets in half and stagger the placement of sod seams, like you would when laying a brick wall. When laying the sod pallets, make sure that the seams are as close as possible and that the edges do not overlap. Leaving gaps in the seams can cause the edges to dry out.

Once you have the sod pallets laid down, using either a roller or your hands, firmly press the sod into the dirt on the bottom. Make sure that you smooth out any ridges and get rid of any air bubbles. Once the layers have been pressed, apply 1-2 inches of water immediately. 

For the next 2 weeks, try to water your lawn at least once a day, preferably in the morning. After 2-4 weeks, your grass should have taken root, and you can reduce watering to ½” every 2 days for the next week. After that, reduce watering to ½” about once a week. Try to adjust your watering schedule in response to rain and drought conditions. If puddles form on your lawn, then you are overwatering. 

hash-markPlanting Zoysia Grass Plugs

You can also opt to install Zoysia plugs. They fall in between manual seeding and laying sod in terms of cost and labor. 

Before planting the plugs, dethatch and prepare the solid where you want to place them. You can also add a layer of fertilizer where you want to install the plugs. Next, using a plug drill bit, create the holes, and install the Zoysia grass plugs. Space the plugs about 1 foot apart. 

After the grass plugs have been installed, continue to water them daily for the next two weeks. Once the grass blades have reached 2 inches tall, you can mow them for the first time. Make sure you remove any grass clippings from this first mowing session as too much thatch can impede grass growth. 

hash-markWhere Does Zoysia Grass Grow Best?

Zoysia is a warm-season grass, so it tends to grow best in places that have a hot climate and receive a lot of sunlight. When seeding your lawn, make sure that your lawn receives adequate sunlight throughout the year. Planting Zoysia seed in a shaded lawn can impede its growth. 

hash-markWhen Should You Plant Zoysia Grass?

Zoysia grass should also be planted about 1 month before its prime growing season in the summer. You should not plant Zoysia seed in the late fall as it will not grow well during the winter months. The grass will not have enough time to establish itself before the cold of the winter. 

hash-markZoysia Grass Bottom Line

Zoysia grass is a popular choice for homeowners in the midwest to the southeast as it is drought-resistant and grows into a thick green lawn during the warm months. Zoysia grass is easy to plant and grow and is commonly used on golf-course fairways because it grows evenly and can be kept relatively short without issue.

Planting Zoysia grass seed requires careful preparation and ongoing maintenance, but the results are well worth the effort. With its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and dense, lush appearance, Zoysia grass can transform your lawn into a beautiful, durable landscape. Follow the steps outlined above for successful planting and enjoy the long-term benefits of a Zoysia grass lawn.